The Commission cannot take direct action against the politicians in question for their statements on the recruitment of workers from other EU countries. It has, however, repeatedly stressed that the free movement of workers benefits both the economy and the labour market by allowing the skills available to be matched with labour market demand. It also regularly asks for hard statistical evidence to be produced to back up such negative public statements. The Commission has repeatedly confirmed that free movement is a fundamental freedom which cannot be restricted. Should any restriction be introduced which is not in line with EC law, the Commission would take the necessary steps as the Guardian of the Treaty.

The Commission would also refer the Honourable Member to the answer it gave to Question E‐9936/2013[1] on a similar matter.

• [1] http://www.europarl.europa.eu/plenary/en/parliamentary-questions.html

OJ C 179, 12/06/2014